The Community of Faith Mass Choir performs at the NAACP convention on Thursday, July 12, 2012.

The Community of Faith Mass Choir performs at the NAACP convention on Thursday, July 12, 2012.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney elicited a variety of reactions - from polite applause to sustained jeering and booing - on Wednesday when he addressed an NAACP audience that included Elmo Sutton, above left, Karolyn Thompson, center, and Debra Edwards, right. less

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney elicited a variety of reactions - from polite applause to sustained jeering and booing - on Wednesday when he addressed an NAACP audience that included ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen

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Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney waves to the cord after delivering remarks at the 103rd NAACP National Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Wednesday, July 11, 2012, in Houston. ( Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle ) less

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney waves to the cord after delivering remarks at the 103rd NAACP National Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Wednesday, July 11, 2012, in Houston. ( ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen

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Mitt Romney greets Bishop William Graves before delivering remarks at the NAACP National Convention.

Mitt Romney greets Bishop William Graves before delivering remarks at the NAACP National Convention.

Storms during the week don't put a damper on the NAACP National Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Storms during the week don't put a damper on the NAACP National Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Photo: James Nielsen, .

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Ready to ride

Sierra Washington, a TSU student from San Antonio, adjusts her helmet as she and other riders prepare to start the NAACP National Convention Bike Ride at Discovery Green on Saturday, July 7, 2012, in Houston.

Sierra Washington, a TSU student from San Antonio, adjusts her helmet as she and other riders prepare to start the NAACP National Convention Bike Ride at Discovery Green on Saturday, July 7, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, .

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Lining up for the start

Mitzi Henderson of Houston participates in the NAACP National Convention Bike Ride.

Mitzi Henderson of Houston participates in the NAACP National Convention Bike Ride.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, .

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Cheering them on

LaDeisha Hogan, 10, left, and her mother, Hatta Hogan, cheer for riders during the NAACP National Convention Bike Ride.

LaDeisha Hogan, 10, left, and her mother, Hatta Hogan, cheer for riders during the NAACP National Convention Bike Ride.

Riders in the NAACP National Convention Bike Ride pose for a group photo at Discovery Green.

Riders in the NAACP National Convention Bike Ride pose for a group photo at Discovery Green.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, .

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Taking a rest

Participants rest after returning to Discovery Green at the end of Saturday's bike ride.

Participants rest after returning to Discovery Green at the end of Saturday's bike ride.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, .

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Setting the stage

U.S. Rep. Al Green speaks during a news conference Friday opening the NAACP 103rd National Convention at the Hilton in Houston.

U.S. Rep. Al Green speaks during a news conference Friday opening the NAACP 103rd National Convention at the Hilton in Houston.

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Ready to meet

The Rev. Reginald Lillie, president of the NAACP Houston Branch, speaks Friday to kick off the national convention in Houston.

The Rev. Reginald Lillie, president of the NAACP Houston Branch, speaks Friday to kick off the national convention in Houston.

Photo: Cody Duty, .

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Common issues

Michelle R. Callahan right, Ph.D. speaks with Doris Ann Shipman left, while promoting her book MS. TYPED during the 103rd NAACP Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, July 8, 2012, in Houston. less

Michelle R. Callahan right, Ph.D. speaks with Doris Ann Shipman left, while promoting her book MS. TYPED during the 103rd NAACP Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday, July 8, 2012, in ... more

Photo: James Nielsen, .

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Getting ready

Nancy Bailey, left, and Tehra Williams of Baltimore, Maryland setup the NAACP boutique two days prior to the NAACP annual conference at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

Nancy Bailey, left, and Tehra Williams of Baltimore, Maryland setup the NAACP boutique two days prior to the NAACP annual conference at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

Photo: TODD SPOTH, .

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Helping hands

Kelvin Cotton of Baltimore, Maryland helps setup the NAACP boutique two days prior to the NAACP annual conference at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

Kelvin Cotton of Baltimore, Maryland helps setup the NAACP boutique two days prior to the NAACP annual conference at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

Photo: TODD SPOTH, .

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Final touches

Kelvin Cotton of Baltimore, Maryland helps setup the NAACP boutique two days prior to the NAACP annual conference at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

Kelvin Cotton of Baltimore, Maryland helps setup the NAACP boutique two days prior to the NAACP annual conference at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

"After close review, the department found that this law would be harmful to minority voters, and we rejected its implementation," he told a wildly supportive crowd of hundreds gathered at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

"Under the proposed law, concealed handgun licenses would be acceptable forms of photo ID, but student IDs would not. Many of those without IDs would have to travel great distances to get them, and some would struggle to pay for the documents they might need to obtain them. We call those poll taxes."

The three-judge federal panel in Washington began considering the state's challenge to the Justice Department's decision on Monday.

After his speech, NAACP delegates passed an emergency resolution supporting the attorney general.